PORTUGAL WORLD CUP HISTORY

Eusebio

It's a short one -- with one memorable tournament. Making their Cup debut in 1966, the Portuguese were the outside sensations, finishing third as the fabulous Eusebio (left) led the way with a tournament-high nine goals. Portugal rolled through its opening group, defeating Hungary, 3-1, Bulgaria, 3-0, and defending champion Brazil, 3-1, The Portuguese rallied from a 3-0 deficit against a surprised North Korea side en route to a 5-3 triumph in the quarterfinals as Eusebio scored four goals and set up a fifth. They met their match in eventual champion England, 2-1, in the semifinals before rebounding for a 2-1 victory over the Soviet Union for third place.

Portugal had to wait 16 years before securing another World Cup berth, and it hardly seemed worth the wait. The Portuguese defeated England, 1-0, but dropped a 1-0 decision to Poland and a 3-0 result to Morocco. After that, Portugal had to wait some 16 more years before yet another Cup appearance, and result was another disappointment. The U.S. stunned the Portuguese in their group opener, grabbing a three-goal advantage en route to a 3-2 victory. They trounced Poland, 4-0, but lost to host South Korea, 1-0 to finish at 1-2.